1. Make a Game Plan
Before diving in, take a few minutes to plan your approach. Block off enough time—at least a few hours or a full day depending on the size of your unit. Gather your cleaning supplies: garbage bags, gloves, labels, bins, and something to take notes with. If your unit is climate-controlled, great! If not, try to plan for a mild day.
2. Empty It Out
Whenever possible, remove everything from the unit. This gives you a clean slate to work with and helps you truly assess what’s inside. You may be surprised by forgotten items tucked in the back!
3. Sort with Purpose
As you go through each item, use the “Four-Box Method”:
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Keep – Things you truly need or want.
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Donate – Items in good condition that could help someone else.
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Sell – Furniture, electronics, or vintage finds that hold value.
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Trash – Broken, expired, or unnecessary items.
Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t used it in over a year, do you really need to keep it?
4. Deep Clean the Space
With the unit cleared out, take this chance to sweep the floor, wipe down any shelving, and inspect the space for pests or signs of moisture. If you notice anything concerning, alert your storage facility right away.
5. Reorganize Smarter
Now that you're keeping fewer things, pack them in clear plastic bins instead of cardboard. They’re sturdier, moisture-resistant, and let you see what’s inside at a glance.
Label each bin clearly on multiple sides and group similar items together:
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Seasonal décor
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Camping gear
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Business inventory
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Childhood keepsakes
6. Restack with Purpose
Place heavy items on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Create a small aisle so you can access items without having to unpack the whole unit. Keep frequently-used items near the front for easy retrieval.
7. Update Your Inventory
Create a master list—digital or physical—of everything in your unit. A simple spreadsheet or notes app works wonders and will save you headaches later when you’re trying to remember what’s stored where.